Cycling in Devon

It is hardly surprising that cycling in
Devon
is so very popular. It is an incredible county with a myriad of different vistas from the wild moorland of
Dartmoor
and Exmoor to gentle wooded landscapes. Small towns
and villages dot the landscape, linked together with highways, byways,
footpaths and cycle trails to delight both visitors and residents alike.

Devon could be described as an area of outstanding natural beauty
just by itself as well as an area of serious scientific interest. From
the Exe Estuary and the English Riviera
on the balmy south coast to the hilly tortuous routes of rugged North
Devon via moorland with its ancient standing stones and Ruby red country
between the moors.

The two major cities of
Exeter
the county town and
Plymouth
the county’s cultural capital, are both contemporary and steeped in
history, a compelling combination. Both make excellent setting off
points for whatever kind of cycling break appeals, a day out, a weekend
break or a longer holiday.

Devon County Council normally publish other town cycle maps, but apparently are all out of stock.

Routes throughout Devon can bring endless delight whether they
are the longer key routes, the shorter regional ones or the one day out
for all the family. Do not take the longer ones all in one bite, they
are too special for that. Slow down, enjoy the countryside, the towns
and the villages and all that
Devon
has to offer. Take that well earned break and pack the camera handy!

Major Routes

Three key cycle routes run through Devon:

The 240 mile West Country Way, NCN route 3 from Bristol or Bath to Padstow in Cornwall.

Then there is the shorter 100 mile Devon Coast to Coast NCN route 27 from Ilfracombe in the stunning north coast of Devon to historic
Plymouth
on the south coast.

The Southern Devon Route NCN 2 will be another major route. It is still partly in the planning stages but sections are open:

(b) From Totnes continues via a moorland route through Ivybridge to Plymouth.
A coastal alternative route from Totnes to Plymouth is fully open as
far as Malborough near Salcombe.

Regional Routes

Dartmoor Way is a cycling and walking trail. A strenuous 90 odd miles round Dartmoor. Not waymarked. If you have not cycled, hiked or toured Dartmoor before please remember there are hazards in the venture. Read Dartmoor Trails for more information!!

Okehampton
makes a good start and finish point, easy to get at and has plenty of
accommodation. The route passes through several interesting places
including Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh – stop off and visit the intriguing
Otters and Butterflies Sanctuary.

There is public transport to enable shorter walks or rides. Try Devon Journey Planner or Dartmoor by bus for the Hoppa Service in east Dartmoor. Check out Traveline which is a handy resource for most public transport all over the country,

Then there is Princetown of prison fame – with its interesting museum, and attractive Tavistock with the River Tavy running through.

The 82 mile Buzzard Route which is Regional Route 52, runs from Sidmouth on the south coast to Seaton and then on to Axminster and Honiton and south again to Woodbury and Exmouth. As a change there is the northern section from Payhembury to the west of Honiton to Pinhoe on the edge of
Exeter
instead of going back to the coast again.

Shorter Routes

The Granite Way,
Okehampton
to
Lydford
11 miles. Family day out along old railway tracks with inspiring viaducts along the way. Wonderful vistas of west Devon and
Dartmoor.

Plym Valley Track, about eighteen miles long and part of NCN 27. Another delightful family ride along a railway line with incredible viaducts. Runs from
Plymouth
to Clearbrook.

Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth part of NCN route 2.
Five miles of easy riding for the family. From seaside town to seaside
town along an old railway track through lovely south Devon countryside.

Exe Cycle Route (Part of NCN Route 2) 7 miles of waymarked, binocular needing, family cycling day out. Not to be confused with the Exe Valley route. The trail runs from central
Exeter
to the Exe Estuary at Exminster. the trail follows the River Exe and the Exeter Canal, passes by the Quay. Runs through Nature Reserves, make time for some bird spotting with the kids.

Burrator Reservoir a four mile circular mostly level
route round the reservoir. Stunning after periods of wet weather. Open
moorland views as well as the reservoir. Also a walking and horse
riding trail. Pretty route with granite bridges.

Ilfracombe to Woolacombe. 15 miles. Part of the NCN
27. Some on road, some traffic free. Not a bad idea to stock up on
water before you start. Some stunning views along the way. Coming back
there are two options, the more direct route is not traffic free, the
other goes through Morthoe once a haunt for smugglers and shipwrecks off
the coast.

Totnes to Dartington Riverside Trail. (part of NCN route 2) Only two and half miles of easy family riverside cycling following the Dart River.
Runs from Totnes Bridge to the Cider Press Centre. There are some good
craft shops here! Opportunity for a cuppa. If you decide to walk for a
change, there is a bus back. Check timetables!

Or you can go on for another couple of miles to Hood Manor along the new cycle path. Follow the signs.

Totnes to Asprington via Sharpham Drive.
5 miles. (Just to Hood Manor it is only 4 miles.) Conveniently starts
at Totnes Railway Station and goes to the Asprington Village Centre.
This one is more strenuous. Ups and downs bring some lovely views. There
is an unfenced stretch so mind the cattle and sheep. Sharpham Estate is
a winery and it is open to the public.

Want a cute car? Large car? Small car? Whatever you need you will find it here. You will probably find your favourite car hire firm here and Car Rentals do not add a penny to their price for looking all over for you!

What about a coach to get you to your destination. Pretty easy!! Put
the bike in its special case and give it with your backpack to the
driver to put in the luggage. Then just get on the coach and relax until
you get there!

A good excuse if you want one is to say it is the 'green' way to go!!!!